Lewis Insulation Blog Posts

Home Insulation and Energy Efficiency: Myths vs. Facts

Posted by & filed under Residential Insulation.

Homeowners are often bombarded with advice on how to make their homes more energy efficient. One of the most common recommendations is to improve insulation. However, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding insulation and its impact on energy efficiency. At Lewis Insulation, we understand home insulation in Plymouth and want to debunk some of the most common myths.

Home Insulation and Energy Efficiency

Myth 1: All Insulation is the Same

Fact: Not all insulation materials are created equal. Different types of insulation have varying levels of effectiveness and suitability for specific areas of your home. There are many different types of insulation materials available, such as fiberglass, cellulose, foam board and spray foam – each with their own pros and cons.

Myth 2: Insulation Alone Will Drastically Reduce Energy Bills

Fact: While proper insulation is a crucial component of energy efficiency, it’s not a standalone solution. A holistic approach to energy efficiency is imperative. This approach often includes factors like air sealing, efficient HVAC systems and lifestyle choices. It’s essential to know that insulation works in conjunction with these elements.

Myth 3: Adding More Insulation is Always Better

Fact: Over-insulating a space can be as problematic as having insufficient insulation. There is an insulation “sweet spot” in each home, where too much insulation beyond that can lead to issues like moisture problems and reduced indoor air quality.

Myth 4: Insulation Stops Heat Transfer Completely

Fact: Insulation slows down heat transfer; it doesn’t stop it entirely. Insulation helps to address the principles of heat transfer (conduction, convection and radiation), however, it does not fully stop heat from transferring.

Myth 5: Insulation is a One-Time Investment

Fact: Insulation can degrade over time and lose its effectiveness. Regular maintenance and insulation inspections are required to ensure it continues to perform optimally.

Myth 6: Insulation Doesn’t Matter in Warm Climates

Fact: Insulation is beneficial in both cold and warm climates. Insulation helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures and reduce cooling costs in hot climates by keeping conditioned air in and outdoor heat out.

In the world of home energy efficiency, misinformation abounds. By dispelling these common myths and presenting the facts about insulation and its role in reducing energy consumption, you can make more informed decisions about how to improve your home’s efficiency. Remember that achieving a truly energy-efficient home involves a combination of factors, and insulation is just one piece of the puzzle. Stay informed and consult with the professionals at Lewis Insulation when making decisions about insulation upgrades to ensure you get the best results for your home and budget.

Do you need home insulation in Plymouth or the surrounding Twin Cities area? Call Lewis Insulation today at 763-477-2612 or contact us!

4 Myths About Attic Ventilation

Posted by & filed under Attic Ventilation.

One of the most commonly misunderstood things about the home, attic ventilation comes with its own fair share of myths. As attic ventilation experts in Minneapolis, Lewis Insulation is here to discuss these myths! If you have any questions about attic ventilation, contact us.

Attic ventilation is an important topic to understand as it’s estimated that about 90% of homes have unreasonably high levels of moisture. Proper ventilation can protect your belongings, your roof and your insulation.

attic ventilation in Minneapolis installed by Lewis Insulation

1. The More Attic Ventilation, The Better

One of the myths we hear the most frequently is that more attic ventilation is always better. Unfortunately, just as is the case with air conditioning units and furnace capacities – more is not always better. While too little attic ventilation is definitely an issue, having too much may be an even bigger risk.

Roof vents create more access to the inside of your home, so having too many can increase the risk of leaks, weak spots for storm damage, or sparks entering your home and causing destruction on the inside.

This leaves the question: how much ventilation is just right? Unlock Goldilocks who needs to test out multiple options to make the right choice, your decision is simpler – just call your local professional! We are able to identify the proper amount of attic ventilation to keep everything just right.

2. Roof Vents Equals Attic Ventilation

Simply having roof vents does not mean that you have adequate attic ventilation. Depending on your home, roof and type of roof vents, your roof vents may not do much of anything for your attic ventilation. Each home and roof is unique, so the best way to ensure that you have proper attic ventilation is to hire a professional to install a ventilation system that will work for you.

3. Roof Vents Allow Warm Air to Escape During Winter

Many people fall into the belief that attic ventilation causes lower energy efficiency due to warm air rising. However, if your warm air is rising straight up to your attic and out of roof vents, you have bigger problems than attic ventilation.

Chances are, if warm air is escaping through roof vents during the winter, you have an insulation problem. Unfortunately, insulation problems can also increase moisture – meaning that attic ventilation remains a considerable concern as well.

4. Only Warmer Climates Need Roof Vents

This statement normally originates from people who assume roof vents are only to increase energy efficiency in the summer by allowing heat to escape – and while this is a benefit of good attic ventilation, there are other pieces that are better designed for energy efficiency. Shingle color, sun exposure and insulation each contribute more to energy efficiency.

However, attic ventilation is still very necessary, even in cooler climates. In fact, colder climates tend to benefit even more from proper ventilation than warmer ones. Colder climates have to worry more about condensation in the attic due to the chill outside, meaning that proper ventilation to keep moisture levels low is infinitely more important.

Now that you are armed with a better understanding of attic ventilation for your home in Minneapolis – are you ready to call an expert to make sure your ventilation is up to its job? Call Lewis Insulation today at 763-477-2612 or contact us!

Pros and Cons of Foam Insulation

Posted by & filed under Residential Insulation, Spray Foam Insulation.

Insulation acts as one of the primary barriers to escaped heat during the winter and cool during the summer – both of which impact the overall energy efficiency of your home. Especially when living somewhere with such a wide range of temperatures and winters as harsh as Minnesota experiences, insulation is an important piece to making sure your home stays comfortable all year round. That’s why we’ve consolidated a list of pros and cons about foam insulation in Rogers! Here at Lewis Insulation, we have experience working with multiple kinds of insulation, but foam is one of the most popular – and for a reason!

Blown in Cellulose Insulation

Pros

Increased energy efficiency.

While this can be said of any insulation choice, spray foam insulation improves the thermal envelope around the home, allowing less air to escape the home and keeping your home warm or cool as desired for a lower cost!

Superior R-value.

When compared to traditional rolled or blown in insulation, foam insulation boasts a higher R-value. This means that less heat can be conducted through the material, making it a more efficient insulator.

Contributes to structural strength of home.

Foam insulation has also been proven to increase the structural strength of a home! Due to how spray foam insulation is installed, it can increase the durability of the home.

Moisture resistance.

Additionally, foam insulation has the highest moisture resistance of commonly used types of insulation. In fact, FEMA has classified it as having the highest resistance to flood damage!

Cons

Requires professional installation.

Spray foam insulation is not a DIY project. It requires proper and precise mixing of chemicals to ensure an effective installation and can pose safety risks if handled incorrectly.

Failing to adhere to manufacturer’s guidelines causes long-term issues.

Without proper experience and understanding of manufacturer’s guidelines, there can be long-term issues caused by unprofessional installation. Failing to adhere to guidelines can cause prolonged odors, oily residue and ineffective insulation.

Health concerns during installation.

Finally, due to the nature of mixing chemicals, foam insulation can pose a health risk if the installer is not fitted with the proper PPE. Gloves, eye protection and masks are all strictly required during installation and handling of spray foam installation to avoid any health risks.

Luckily, all of the cons are negated when you choose to hire a professional like Lewis Insulation! We understand the manufacturer’s guidelines for each insulation we work with and ensure that each contractor on site wears the proper PPE to keep them safe.

Are you ready to have new foam insulation installed in your home in Rogers or the surrounding Twin Cities area? Call Lewis Insulation today at 763-477-2612 or contact us!

Replace Your Residential Insulation for Energy Efficiency this Winter

Posted by & filed under Residential Insulation.

Winter is quickly approaching here in Minnesota, which means now is the time to prepare your home for the harsh weather to come. Have you noticed drafts coming in through your attic making your home feel chillier? Don’t spend a fortune on energy bills this winter, instead allow Lewis Insulation to replace your residential insulation in St. Michael or the surrounding areas!

Inadequate insulation can increase your energy bills. In fact, an estimated 75% of heat can be saved with effective insulation! Think of how much you could cut down on your energy bills by saving three quarters of your heat.

Additionally, by requiring less energy to heat your home, you can actually reduce your carbon footprint! New insulation for your home can help you become more environmentally friendly while also saving you money.

residential insulation St Michael

Even if you are thinking of selling your home soon, investing in new insulation is still a good thing to consider. On average, home value increases $20 for every $1 reduction in annual utility bills. With how much heat you’ll save thanks to your new insulation, the value of your home should jump up as well!

New insulation may seem like a large investment to start, but once you factor in monthly savings on your energy bills, you’ll see the return on investment is quick and high! New insulation is one of the best investments you can make in your home this time of year, as energy prices continue to rise, and cold weather is here to stay.

Each home is different, meaning that the right insulation could vary from your house to your neighbors’. Here at Lewis Insulation, not only are we ready to help you prepare your home for the upcoming winter by replacing your old insulation, but we can also help you determine which insulation is the best fit for your house and needs!

So, give us a call today to learn more about how new insulation can protect you from skyrocketing energy costs this winter. We are happy to talk more about the benefits of new insulation before the coldest months of the year or discuss the specific needs of your home!

When it comes time to install or replace residential insulation in your home in St. Michael or the surrounding areas, choose the best. Call Lewis Insulation today at 763-477-2612 or contact us!

6 Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation

Posted by & filed under Spray Foam Insulation.

If it’s time to add or replace insulation, you may feel overwhelmed with options. Insulation is imperative to the efficiency of your home, and even adds some protection to it as well. It’s important to make sure you are choosing both the right type of insulation for your needs and an experienced contractor to install it for you.

One type of insulation with many benefits is spray foam. When you need spray foam insulation in Minneapolis, the experts at Lewis Insulation have you covered! In the meantime, here are some common benefits of using spray foam insulation in your home.

1. Noise Reduction

When building a home in a close neighborhood, it’s hard to know what kind of neighbors you’ll actually be getting. While we all hope for nice, friendly and quiet neighbors, we also know that’s not always the case.

Luckily, spray foam insulation can significantly reduce noise, allowing you to enjoy your new neighborhood, even if your neighbors are a little noisier than you would have liked.

spray foam insulation Minneapolis

2. Cooling and Heating Efficiency

Due to the nature of spray foam insulation, it is able to get into small cracks and crevices unlike other types of insulation. When applied, spray foam expands and dries, blocking air and water from entering through the cracks.

When air is blocked from sneaking in through little cracks in your home, you can improve your heating and cooling efficiency! In the summer, hot air will have a harder time getting in, just as cold air will struggle in the winter.

3. Fewer Allergens

When those same small cracks and crevices are sealed, fewer allergens such as pollen are able to make it into your home. This allows you to survive the curse of seasonal allergies easier! Plus, your guests will feel more welcomed and comfortable in a home that doesn’t make them sneeze non-stop

4. Bug and Pest Prevention

Yet again, another benefit of filling small cracks in your home with spray foam insulation is preventing access to bugs and pests. An infestation of mice or bugs can quickly become an even bigger problem due to damage they may cause within your home.

Spray foam insulation can block their access, allowing you peace of mind and money saved that would have previously been spent on pest control.

5. Mold Prevention

Spray foam insulation prevents moisture from leaking into your home through the outside walls and roof by sealing up cracks. This prevention of moisture also prevents the growth of mold and mildew in your walls.

By stopping the water leaking through walls, spray foam insulation can help prevent health issues caused by exposure to mold or mildew over time.

6. Environmentally Friendly

The incorporation of spray foam insulation into your home reduces energy consumption of your home by reducing the amount of cooling or heating required to combat the outside air sneaking in. By making your home more efficient, you are making it more environmentally friendly.

Plus, spray foam insulation is a long-term solution for insulation as it lasts longer than other types. This allows for fewer materials to be used over time in your home, reducing waste.

When it comes time to install or replace insulation in your Minneapolis home consider spray foam insulation. Call Lewis Insulation today at 763-477-2612 or contact us!